Door Handle Finishes & Materials Guide

Choosing door handles for your home may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly influence your space's overall look and feel. Since door handles are items we use daily, it's worth selecting the right materials and finishes that complement your design style and meet your functional needs. In this guide, we'll explore the most popular door handle finishes and materials to help you make an informed choice.

Brass

Brass, an alloy made from copper and zinc, offers warmth, durability and corrosion resistance. Brass is a great choice for both interior and exterior doors. We offer brass door handles in a variety of finishes: 

• Antique brass provides a vintage, weathered look that adds character to traditional or period-style homes. Avoid harsh cleaning products or brass polishes, as these can damage the finish.
• Polished brass is bright and reflective, working well with traditional and modern decor. It can come lacquered for added protection or unlacquered for a natural look that develops a patina over time. Simply polish it occasionally to maintain its shine.
• PVD Brass (Physical Vapour Deposition) is created by coating metal in a vacuum chamber, producing a highly durable, corrosion-resistant finish with a glossy appearance.
• Satin Brass offers a subtle sheen with visible brush marks, perfect for contemporary designs. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended to keep satin brass door handles looking their best.
• Aged Brass has a naturally aged appearance, adding depth and personality to traditional or industrial designs. It requires no polishing, making it a low-maintenance choice.
• Matt White - powder coated white is a clean, crisp finish that brings a fresh, modern look to your space. Its smooth, matte surface complements minimalist and contemporary interiors, and it’s easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper, tin, and aluminium, boasts a rich, historical appeal. It is durable and will develop a patina over time, for added character. We stock a range of finishes for bronze door handles:

• Matt bronze has a non-reflective surface, delivering a soft, understated look that pairs well with contemporary styles. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap will keep it clean.
• A polished bronze door handle combines the dark, warm tones of bronze with a high-gloss polish for a luxurious feel, perfect for vintage-inspired interiors.
• Aged bronze best suits historic homes, giving them a rustic, antique look that evolves over time. It is also a great match for traditional or period properties.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is prized for its sleek, modern appearance and excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel is ideal for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms or coastal homes. 

Here are the key finishes available:

• A polished stainless steel finish offers a mirror-like, glossy surface that adds a contemporary, sophisticated touch to any space. Occasional polishing will keep it looking pristine.
• Satin stainless steel has a grainy, brushed texture for a more understated, less reflective finish. It works well with various colour schemes and requires minimal maintenance—just a wipe with a damp cloth.
• Matt black mortice door knobs bring a sleek, contemporary look to any space, ideal for modern, industrial, or minimalist interiors. The non-reflective, fingerprint-resistant finish requires minimal upkeep and adds bold sophistication. Perfect for monochrome or contrasting colour schemes, these door knobs offer both style and practicality.

Chrome

Chrome door handles are renowned for their sleek, reflective appearance and durability. Chrome plating offers excellent corrosion resistance and is a popular choice for both modern and traditional interiors. Below are the two main chrome finishes:

• Polished chrome has a highly reflective, mirror-like surface for a contemporary, stylish touch to any room. This finish is incredibly versatile, pairing well with various design styles. To maintain polished chrome, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and buff it occasionally to keep it gleaming.
• Satin chrome has a softer, brushed texture with a low gloss finish, offering a more subtle alternative to polished chrome. Its understated look works beautifully in modern, minimalist designs. Like satin stainless steel, satin chrome is easy to maintain with a regular wipe-down using a damp cloth.

Nickel 

Nickel is a durable, versatile material that works well in a variety of interior styles, offering a more subdued shine compared to chrome. Nickel door handles are a fantastic choice for both traditional and modern spaces. Here are the finishes we offer:

Polished nickel has a smooth, reflective surface with a warmer tone than chrome, making it perfect for blending with both contemporary and classic designs. It pairs beautifully with neutral tones and adds an elegant touch to any room. To maintain its gleaming finish, simply clean it with a soft, damp cloth and buff it dry.

Satin nickel offers a muted, brushed texture with a soft sheen, providing a more understated, matte look. This finish works particularly well in modern, minimalist, or transitional interiors. Satin nickel is easy to maintain—just wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking fresh.

Other Finishes 

In addition to metal finishes, there are several other materials and finishes available for door handles and knobs, each offering unique aesthetic and functional qualities:

Wooden door knobs bring warmth and a natural touch to any interior. They work particularly well in rustic, traditional, or vintage-style homes. Wooden knobs can be stained or painted in various colours to match your décor.

Glass door knobs add a touch of luxury and elegance, often used in period homes or to create a statement in modern interiors. They reflect light beautifully and are available in clear or coloured glass, providing a chic, timeless look.

Porcelain door knobs are perfect for a vintage or classic look. They often feature delicate patterns or a smooth, plain finish and are commonly used in traditional homes. Porcelain knobs are easy to clean and maintain.

Pewter offers a soft, silvery finish with a slightly darker, aged appearance compared to chrome or nickel. Pewter is highly durable and provides an antique look that works well in both rustic and industrial settings.

Graphite (made from zinc) provides a sleek, dark, and contemporary finish that is perfect for modern homes. Its matte texture adds a subtle yet stylish element to your interior design.

Leather door handles introduce a unique, tactile element that adds warmth and texture. These handles are often used in high-end, bespoke interiors and provide a soft, luxurious feel.

Dual-finish door handles combine two different finishes, such as polished chrome with satin nickel or brass with black, offering a stylish contrast. These are perfect for those looking to add a bit of visual interest to their door hardware.

Door handles featuring a back plate come in a wide range of finishes, including chrome, brass, nickel, and pewter. The back plate adds extra detail and is available in various styles, from minimalist to ornate, offering both functional and decorative benefits.

Ready To Find Your Perfect Door Handle Finish?

Selecting the right door hardware involves more than choosing a door handle style. Factors like material durability, maintenance requirements, and how the finish will complement your overall design must be considered. Create a unified look throughout your home by carefully selecting your door handle finish.

Need further advice on how to choose the right door hardware? Discover our guide that delves deeper into the different types of door handles available. 

Are your door handles suddenly sticking? We talk through the causes and how to fix it. 

For more information about all things ironmongery, contact us today!